MAN TESTED, LADY APPROVED

February 10th, 2011

Agreeing on a flick for a night at home shouldn’t be a terribly difficult decision for most couples, but sometimes a girl needs a little warm and fuzzy happy ending romantic comedy and no amount of rhetoric can make a guy settle down to some tear filled giggles. Then, there are the guys who agree to a chick flick and suffer through ninety minutes of watch checking and sighing, waiting to cash in their newly earned brownie points. Ladies, take it easy on them, and especially with Valentine’s Day around the corner.

Here’s a list of chick flicks, man tested, ladies approve:

Knocked Up: It’s criminal to have never seen this flick, or not to find it a source of quotable, comedic material. Seth Rogan and Katherine Heigl play a pair whose one night stand ends in conception and begins a whirl wind relationship where, like their child, everything is unplanned. Warning: may temporarily kill libido, best watched with committed partner.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s: Guys, don’t write this one off just because it’s got Audrey Hepburn in it. This is a staple in everyone’s film diet, and should not be ignored due to media attention and age. Nothing blows up, but this Truman Capote adaptation involves two escorts, Holly Golightly and Paul Varjak, jaded and living in New York, avoiding love and trying to make it. The score is amazing, and once you hear it, you’ll notice it popping up everywhere, even in Minority Report. If you have to choose between Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Casablanca, for a movie night, Breakfast at Tiffany’s is the more lighthearted choice.

Going the Distance: Don’t let the cover deceive you! The case for this flick looks like a made for TV movie, but it’s nothing if not brilliant. This star studded cast includes Drew Barrymore (on her A game), Justin Long, Charlie Day (Always Sunny in Philadelphia), Jason Sudeikis (30 Rock), Christina Applegate, & Jim Gaffigan. Barrymore and Long play a couple attempting a long distance relationship from New York to San Francisco. While the plot is easily identifiable, the candid conversations will keep you, and your beau, stifling laughter so you can hear the next line. I would easily label this as the best romantic comedy of 2010, hands down.

When Harry Met Sally: This is another must see for all movie goers. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’ll recognize a lot of other films imitating this one, monumental chick flick. From writer Nora Ephron (You’ve Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle, Julie & Julia, etc), the queen of romantic comedies, is the story of a twenty year friendship that tackles the crux: can men and women be just friends? Be wary of the debates this will bring up, as it’s known to cause an argument or twenty, but if you take it with a grain of salt, this one is sure to keep you giggling.

Life as We Know it: This Katherine Heigl film takes off in the comedic department where Knocked Up left off. An unlikely pair are given custody of their mutual friend’s child after the couple passes away and they struggle to find where they fit into their new lives. This one is smart, funny, and on the girlier side, so choose wisely. Ladies, be prepared to shed a few tears in front of your movie partner.

If you and your other half are tight on cash, why not pick up some take out and rent a movie for Valentine’s Day? Keep things light, funny, and romantic with one of the choices above, and take it easy on the fiscal expectations.

Written by Ashley Teal, Campus Clipper Blogger

Visit My Blog and follow me on Twitter!

Also Check Out Great Campus Clipper Student Discounts!

Download our NEW App on iTunes.
Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on twitter and watch our YouTube videos.

Don’t forget to sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter for student promotions and coupons and download the coupon booklet NOW.

For some awesome take-out coupons see:

Bare Burger

Boyd Thai

Tahini

Share

Tags: , , ,
Posted in onEntertainment, onFood, onLove, onSavings, Relationships | No Comments »

How to Overcome Your Shyness

February 9th, 2011
Being shy often prevents you from flying high, and I know this from my own experience. There are so many things that you don’t know and other people do. Instead of struggling to find out where to get a great deal to a gym or how to sell back your textbooks, ask your college mate. When you graduate, you will have to search for an internship and later a job, and shyness is not the best of your qualifications you need to show at an interview. If you had trouble with communicating your thoughts or abilities to people around you, college years are the time to fight it.  Here are some tips that may help you to become more self-confident and overcome your shy nature:
1. Find out what kind of communication is the most challenging for you. Are you lost while talking to strangers over the phone, or are you suddenly shy face-to-face? Knowing that is essential because it gives you the field to work on. Once you realize where your weakness lies, push yourself to be in situations that make you feel uncomfortable. When a child starts walking, he or she is not happy falling down with every step. But no one have ever given up walking because it is so difficult. Every skill requires training, and communication is not an exception.
2. Get a job that requires you to talk. If you are afraid of calling strangers on the phone, get a job in telemarketing and advertising. First of all, they will train you to communicate with people in an effective way. Secondly, you will have enough practice, and eventually, you will get better at it. And finally, you will be encouraged by a paycheck. It will be especially helpful for you to get a job where you get paid depending on how much you sell. This way you will be pushed to polish your communication skills while looking for the most persuasive ways to get them to buy your products. You will have to be creative, and you will have no time to be scared. Gradually, you will see that your fear vanishes with every phone call you make.
3. Visit your professors during their office hours. Professors usually put some time aside for meeting with students, and they sometimes become upset that students never show up. If you stop by an office during a break you would otherwise spend eating unhealthy food offered by cafeteria, you may discuss the test that you failed, ask questions that don’t let you sleep and even get an idea about which grade you are going for in the course. Professors can give you an academic and personal advice. Another good thing is that they will get to know you and they will see that you are interested in their subject and want to do well in their course. And of course, you will feel less shy next time you have an encounter with them.
4. Participate in student clubs and study groups. Not only will it give you the opportunity to work on your shyness and meet new friends; it will also allow you to learn from your peers and discuss problems that bother you. When you are truly passionate and knowledgeable about something, you will never be afraid to talk about it with other people, especially if they are interested in the same things or issues you are.
5. Deliver oral presentations. It is so frightening for everyone to stand in front of the whole class and report about something. But no matter what job you will have in the future, you will be required to speak at the meetings, unless you are planning to be a secretary or a librarian for you whole life. Therefore, the earlier you learn how to deliver successful presentations, the easier it will be for you to use it to the benefit of your career. If your college offers a public speaking course, take it as soon as possible. This is not only a skill that you use at work, this may be the ability that will get you the job you want.
6. Talk to random people. Ask strangers for directions, discuss the snow storm warning with a lady sitting next to you on the train and merely ask your peers questions. You will get the information you need and discover the boldness you may never knew you had deep inside you.
Ekaterina Lalo
To read more of my articles, check out my blog: http://nycvalues.blogspot.com/
Share

Posted in onValues | No Comments »

Getting the Finest Coffee at O Café

February 9th, 2011

This past Friday, I had the opportunity to review a newly opened café on 6th Avenue. The address, formerly home to Joe Jr.’s coffee shop that has been a mainstay of the neighborhood for years, is now open as a different breed of café called, O Café. Owner and operator Fernando Aciar’s vision was to create a unique space dedicated to sustainable and ecologically responsible practices, including sourcing coffee and other ingredients from fair trade and organic growers, as well as furnishing the café with reclaimed and energy efficient materials—all in an effort to minimize the environmental impact of business while empowering local farmers and food artisans. Certainly, it is not the counter and pie coffee shop of yesteryear.

But, although many people have grumbled and lamented the loss of Joe Jr.’s, O Café is a bastion of the new type of coffee shop—one that preaches carefully selected products to ensure the highest quality and freshness possible. When I met with Fernando, he explained to me his past working as a cook, until he started his own café in Rio de Janeiro, also called O Café, and how he wanted to bring the quality ingredients he knew local farmers were growing all around Brazil here to New York City. The Minas region of Brazil alone, Fernando went on, is the single largest exporter of coffee in the world, yet is unrecognized as a place known for growing gourmet coffee as most of it is exported at a cheap price to support a small amount of artisanal growers. In sourcing his coffee and chocolate from the finest farmers in Brazil, O Café hopes to expose all the great products of the region with local businesses and farmers alike.

But enough about the political ethos, and more about the actually coffee and goods you can enjoy at O Café. Two of the signature snacks at O Café are Pao de Mel and Pao de Queijo. Pao de Mel is a honey cake with Brazilian walnuts, and spices, and then is covered with chocolate imported from Bahia, Brazil. Pao de Queijo, or cheese bun, is a popular cheesy-bread snack that is typical from rural farms in Brazil, and offers a more savory bite compared to the sweet honey bread. O Café also offers an assortment of thin, crispy chocolate bars that are loaded with various nuts, as well as cookies and other pastries. Coming this spring, O Café will begin selling fresh fruits from Brazil like acai, and other goodies like iced-coffee and freshly squeezed juices.

But, the ultimate test of a café is of course the quality of its coffee. As you could imagine, O Café only offers the finest coffee beans grown from small, dedicated growers. There are two styles of coffee at O Café: French press and pour over. The pour over method involves an intricate system of continually pouring hot water into a cone filter with freshly ground beans—it’s like a handmade version of a drip coffee pot. Coffee varieties rotate regularly, but rest assured, the quality of the beans will always be exceptional

If you are looking for an alternative to the Starbuck’s nightmare that is quickly consuming every available block corner in this city, walk into O Café for a unique experience that will remind you of the finer things in life.

Written by Derek Parsons, Campus Clipper Blogger

Visit My Blog Dont Mind If I Do and follow me on Twitter

Also Check Out Great Campus Clipper Student Discounts!

Download our NEW App on iTunes.
Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on twitter and watch our YouTube videos.

Don’t forget to sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter for student promotions and coupons and download the coupon booklet NOW.

Share

Posted in onFood, Restaurant Reviews | No Comments »

JAZZING UP YOUR STAY IN NYC

February 9th, 2011

When I arrived in NYC over a year ago, I experienced a brief stint with homelessness. I needed a cheap place to stay the night so I wouldn’t end up on the streets or down below in the subway station. I certainly couldn’t afford a hotel, so I was forced to resort to a hostel. I’d had experiences with hostels before–pervvy old men snoring in a bed only two feet away from me–and it hadn’t been enjoyable. So my spirits were low as I caught the train to Jazz on the Park Hostel, surrounded by my luggage. I got off at my stop and began the ardous task of lugging my suitcases down the street. As I looked around me, I noticed that the neighborhood was quite nice. The hostel was located on the Upper West Side, only steps away from Central Park. I paused briefly and sat down on a bench right outside the park. The park looked grassy and inviting, and I longed to explore it. But I had to drop my luggage off at the Hostel first. Standing up with my spirits revived, I walked into Jazz Hostel. 

What a hip place! was my first thought. I had stepped directly into a little lobby with funky, bright paint splashed across the walls. Rihanna was playing over the speakers. A friendly young guy behind the counter helped me with my luggage and gave me my room key. His smile already made me feel welcome. Then I stepped into the next room, which was an even hipper lounge.  Young kids were sprawled on the comfy chairs, talking, laughing, surfing their laptops, or watching the action movie that was playing on the wide-screen TV. I almost felt like I was back in my old college dorm. In other words, I felt like I was at home. Upstairs in my room, I met my new roommates, two friendly Japanese girls, and one woman from Argentina. They were all very excited about their vacations, and their excitement rubbed off on me. We actually became good friends during my short stay at Jazz.

Due to my great experiences at Jazz hostel, I stayed there again this year with several of my friends. Once again, it was an awesome experience. The staff and hostel-stayers are all friendly, the price is affordable, and they provide a great pancake breakfast!

I recommend Jazz Hostels to anyone staying in the City. The great things about Jazz is that they cater directly to college students. Not only do they have cheap rates, they also hold great events, such as bar and pub crawls, movie nights, dance nights, and tours of the city. They’ve also got three convienent locations throughout Manhattan. Check out their website at www.jazzhostels.com to get more information or to book a room! Jazz is currently offering a student discount to make their rates even more affordable.       

 

Written by Megan Soyars, Campus Clipper Blogger

Get great more Student Discounts!

Download our NEW Appon iTunes!
Become a fanon Facebook and follow us on twitter!

Don’t forget to sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter for student promotions and coupons and download the coupon booklet NOW

Share

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Businesses We Love, onSavings, Out On The Town | No Comments »

RED DELICIOUS NEW YORK

February 8th, 2011

Photo Thanks to Soda Head

It seems strange to say, but I love the smell of New York City. Most people complain of its filth, its odd, rusty, wet scent, but I happen to love the unique fragrance of the robust little island. Okay, so there is the occasional rancid trash bag or the urine stench coated individual on the subway, but despite the wet weather and commute sweat, New Yorkers still know how to keep it fresh.

I’m thrilled when I find myself in the wake of someone’s cologne or perfume, but we must remember to remain conscious of others’ nasal sensitivities. A good way to avoid overwhelming people with your scent, while still smelling sweet, is to use a perfume oil, or essential oil. An essential oil will give you a radiating scent that increases with your body temperature, but does not over power the senses like most spray scents.

Rub the oil on your wrists, behind your ears, in the crook of your elbow, and behind your knees. The great thing about the oil is that it spreads all day long, and will adhere to whatever you’re wearing, even if you change your outfit midday, and don’t worry, it doesn’t damage your clothing.

Another benefit to using oil instead of an alcohol infused spray is that you can reapply it in public places without causing everyone to choke and gag on the subway or in an elevator. Your scent can be better reserved for those who come in close contact with you, not just anyone on the street. This makes your skin, your touch, more alluring to a mate who can’t wait to get close to breathe in your aroma.

Some places will even let you create your own scents by combining different essential oils. Try The Fragrance Shop at 21st East 7th Street, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the number of affordable options. You can make your own unique scent, instead of using a generic, overpriced brand. Bring a friend and spend time trying new scents out, the people at The Fragrance Shop will be more than happy to help! They’re offering free incense for students when they bring a student ID, so stop by soon. Go on, New York, smell delicious.

Written by Ashley Teal, Campus Clipper Blogger

Visit My Blog and follow me on Twitter!

Also Check Out Great Campus Clipper Student Discounts!

Download our NEW App on iTunes.
Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on twitter and watch our YouTube videos.

Don’t forget to sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter for student promotions and coupons and download the coupon booklet NOW.

Share

Posted in onLove, Relationships, Uniqueness in NYC | No Comments »

BE ANNOYINGLY HAPPY

February 8th, 2011

Happiness, to me, was always a shiny yellow ball that, when I reached a certain point in my life, would descend upon me in an ethereal manner and consume all my fears. Well, that’s so untrue I don’t know where to begin. In matters of love and romance, happiness cannot be achieved between two people, no matter the compatibility of interests, unless each individual is independently happy.

How then, can you be happy if you don’t have everything you want, or even need? The answer is annoyingly simple: it’s not a matter of having what you want, but wanting what you have. This does not eliminate ambition, or instill placency, it simply stifles the all consuming self pity that can hinder one’s ability to achieve. Shiny, happy people do well in life, but how do you become one of those people?

Power of Food: If you pour sugar into the gas tank of a car, it doesn’t run, it clogs up the work and creates a mechanic’s nightmare. Now, imagine your body as a car, you put the wrong things in and you’ll get little in return. This doesn’t mean that you can’t have fats or sweets, but if you’re feeling lethargic and run down, the first instinct is to grab for the comfort foods. The fuzzy end of the lollipop is where you’ll find yourself in this situation, because that cheeseburger or candy bar will only dig you deeper into exhaustion. Find things that are healthy, but taste good. I always feel better after I eat a salad, but I don’t stick to low fat dressing with plain lettuce. I spice it up with crumbled goat cheese, craisins, chopped walnuts, and a variety of other cheeses, dried fruits, and nuts, and maybe some croutons or parmesan. Add flavor to your healthy foods, at least you’re eating a salad. I love to warm up pineapple and bananas in a frying pan and sprinkle them with cinnamon. You have to enjoy what you do and eat, because what’s the fun of being skinny and energetic if you constantly starve yourself?

Physical Fun: What ever happened to just running because it was fun? When was the last time your friend chased you through a park and it wasn’t because you slept with his girlfriend or stole his iPod? It’s a struggle to go out there and exercise if you’re not hard wired for it, but once you get on a roll, you might like it. The key is to find something that gets to excited, something that holds your attention. I like to box and to row. I can’t afford to row, so wherever I’m living I find a place that offers boxing. I recommend a private trainer for the first couple of times, and most places will offer some kind of deal. I’m often surprised that I pay someone to make me work until I feel like passing out, but I feel great after and my energy level goes through the roof. I have friends who play Frisbee, join soccer teams, jog, do pole dancing and strip tease classes, take dance lessons, and they all rave about how much more motivation they have when they exercise, they just had to find something to maintain their interest. Even if it’s watching TV while you work out, whatever does it.

Self-Hypnosis: Alright, I know this sounds crazy, but you can actually talk yourself into being happier. A lot of us are naturally inclined to find the negativity in a situation before they look to the positive. Here’s a little trick that’ll get you smiling more: when you walk into work in the morning, before you do anything, write down three things you’re grateful for. After fifteen days, you’ll start to see a significant improvement in your demeanor because you’re training your mind to naturally try to find positive things in your environment. This also works when you’re fighting with your hubby, sit down, breathe, and tell him or her three things about them that you’re grateful for. Verbalizing makes it more tangible. I like to list three things I’m grateful for before I go to sleep at night, out loud, and it helps calm me into a state where I can more easily fall asleep, and it prepares me for the morning. Mind over matter, just try it.

Healthy people are happy people, and happy people make great partners. Try a few of these tips, and maybe sit yourself down and ask what it is you want in life. Even if you know you want to be in better shape, have better skin, a better job, a new pair of sneakers, etc, verbalizing it will make it easier to visualize and eventually obtain. Trust yourself.

Written by Ashley Teal, Campus Clipper Blogger

Visit My Blog and follow me on Twitter!

Also Check Out Great Campus Clipper Student Discounts!

Download our NEW App on iTunes.
Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on twitter and watch our YouTube videos.

Don’t forget to sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter for student promotions and coupons and download the coupon booklet NOW.

Visit our recommended gyms:

Crunch

 

Share

Posted in Eating Healthy, onEntertainment, onFood, onHealth, onValues, Relationships | No Comments »

A SWEET TREAT

February 7th, 2011

During my jaunts around the block these past two days, I noticed something different in the air. That sort of sweet, light, coolness that you associate with the coming of spring. It’s still a couple of months away, yes, but the hint of happier, more pleasant times is in the air! One thing I love and cherish during the warmer months is ice cream. Down in the south, Blue Bell Ice Cream is a family favorite. I haven’t been able to find the brand on the mean streets of New York, but I’ve found something’s that just as good: Haagen-Dazs ice cream. I love the variety of flavors they have! And not only can you enjoy ice cream, you can also enjoy their sorbet and frozen yogurt.

And if you’re a student, you can also enjoy this great coupon! Get a free scoop of ice cream with the purchase of any regular or large ice cream. Now you’ve got just the right creamy flavor to usher in the spring months! Let’s say you love ice cream, but you don’t love the calories. Never fear, you can make the “right” choice for your diet at The Lite Choice. Their flavors are low on fat and calories, but not low on taste.

Written by Megan Soyars, Campus Clipper Blogger

 

 

Share

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Businesses We Love, Cheap Eats, onSavings | No Comments »

A Prelude To V-Day

February 3rd, 2011

It’s that perilous time of year again, when that one, fateful day either reminds of us how hopelessly alone we are, or how tragically in love we are. But, maybe that is too dramatic. Valentine’s Day is, nonetheless, the holiday of love, the conferred day to celebrate the success of a current relationship, or, with hopeful tidings, begin one anew. Although most people begin planning their Valentine’s evening well in advance (or at least should, HINT!), most often overlook some of the more personal measures that can be taken to ensure a memorable V-Day, and with so much pressure to prepare a unique and romantic evening on the town, you do not want the little things to get in the way.

Some of these recommendations may be seen as superficial or shallow, but the presentation of self is an important way to make an excellent first impression and show your date that he/she means enough to you to properly look the part. It’s a matter of respect. That being said, in the limited time left before Valentine’s (Countdown: 11 days!), try getting into a routine at the gym to boost your energy level and self-confidence. Most people think working out is strictly for physical benefits, but it’s also a great way to boost your mood and self-esteem.

Even if you get reservations at an exclusive restaurant, unless your clothes are cleaned and pressed properly you will look very out of place. Make sure to plan your outfit in advance, or at least have a general idea of what you might wear and make sure everything is cleaned and ready to go for your night out. Dry cleaning is usually the safest bet. Letting a professional clean and press your clothes will ensure you they will be taken care of properly and not shrunken and wrinkled as they usually come out after my loads of laundry.

Another helpful tip is to plan a trip to a salon or barber and make sure your hair is “did” just right. Nothing drastic, unless it’s been a few weeks or months, but just enough to trim you up and clean the edges around your neck and sideburns (for the guys), or to trim the frayed ends of hair (ladies). I would recommend not trying a new style at this moment. It could be a big gamble and the risk may not prove beneficial. Stick to the basics.

Perhaps my most important piece of pre-Valentine’s Day advice is to be mentally prepared. But, how to do that? Well, I recommend reading Pablo Neruda’s little book, Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair. A personal favorite, this book will reveal to you the ranges of love and give the mental readiness to embrace Valentine’s. Read it, again and again

Here are some coupon links to prepare for a date on a budget:

Gym:

Synergy Fitness Clubs

Salon/Barber:

Cocoro Salon

East 6th Street Barber Shop

Derek Parsons

Donotmindifido.tumblr.com

Share

Posted in onValues | No Comments »

First Dates: Let it be

February 3rd, 2011

Remember the “dating” habits of junior high? Do you like me? Check yes; check no. There was no dating, simply a quick glance from across the room and zip bam boom the two of you are all wet puppy eyes and picking out fine china. Later on, things got a little more complicated and I’m not quite sure what did it. Broken hearts, realism, cynicism, or maybe residual scarring from that fifth grade beau that never shared his PB & J. Occasionally two friends get together after a long time of “hanging out” or that one night stand turns out to be the real thing and nothing like its original shape, but for the most part we have to date. Dating is a wonderful thing, resembling a sort of salad bar. With no commitment, a clean slate, and a night out, there’s nothing to lose. Here are some fun (and hopefully helpful) little tips for a first date:

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy: You’re most likely going to date a lot, and I highly recommend it, before you even settle into a committed relationship, so take it easy on the first date. Don’t try so hard to impress or to tell your date every tiny detail about yourself. The great thing about getting to know someone is, well, getting to know someone. All the small surprises are the fizzy bubbles that swim up your nose when you drink a soda, so don’t gulp it all down- you’re almost certain to get sick. Try not to summarize yourself, they need to form their own opinion of you; they’d rather read the novel than get the cliff notes. Instead, talk about things you enjoy, things you have in common, or even something quirky that pops into your mind. Breathe, and keep things simple. Don’t begin with the Spanish inquisition, it was uncomfortable in the fifteenth century, and that hasn’t changed. You should be interested in your date, curious about them, but you’re not conducting a job interview.

Forever: This is a first date, repeat that to yourself every time you begin imagining how he’ll look in a tuxedo or if your mother will like him. This isn’t a habit for all of us, but I’ve encountered a large number of friends, worsening with age, that try to map out their relationship early on and it almost always ends up in tears and Haagen-Dazs. I once had a friend imagine the eulogy he would deliver at her funeral after having been married for forty years (after a first date); it ended in sweatpants for a week and boxes of raw brownie batter.

Don’t expect everything to be perfect, and don’t expect a commitment, just enjoy your time together. Think of it as only happening for one night, plan on never seeing this person again, and if it works, it works, if not, you can be thankful for the good time or relish in the relief of never having to see them again.

Liar, Liar: How many times have you caught yourself saying something that you know is a grandiose embellishment or not even remotely true  to someone you just met? This is a time when honesty is the best policy. If you didn’t climb Everest, save a baby from a burning building, or attend Yale, don’t say you did. It’s true, you may never see this person again, but I’m a firm believer in the universe’s sense of humor, and a liar is the prime source of entertainment for the powers that be. If you do end up in a relationship, how embarrassing is it to be caught when they realize that you don’t spend much time working out like an Olympic athlete should. Be you, because if they don’t like who you are, do you want to be in a relationship with them? There is no amount of rhetoric that should make you be a different person.

Mind Your P’s & Q’s: This seems like an obvious tip, but a lack of manners is the culprit in most bad dates. Unless you’re at a restaurant where the culture requires eating with one’s hands, use utensils. Gentleman, you don’t have to throw your coat over a puddle or offer grand (sometimes terrifying) gestures, just open a door or two. Also, a guiding hand on the small of her back is a risk, but sometimes a real winner. Ladies, smile! Don’t be the dining dead, offer those ivories up as part of the package, because smiling releases endorphins and it’ll boost your good time vibes. If you eat in a restaurant, be nice to your server. Yes, they signed up to wait on people, but they did not sign up to deal with condescending jack wagons all night. These are general rules that should apply to every day, but for the people out there not utilizing them, try starting with a first date.

Most importantly, remember to have a good time! Make fun plans, because going on a date is the best excuse to do something exciting. In a relationship, you have to enjoy doing things together, and an active date can sometimes be the best way to limit verbal diarrhea. Love isn’t all drama, it’s predominately giggles, so go out and get yourself some laughing fits.

Written by Ashley Teal, Campus Clipper Blogger

Visit My Blog and follow me on Twitter!

Also Check Out Great Campus Clipper Student Discounts!

Download our NEW App on iTunes.
Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on twitter and watch our YouTube videos.

Don’t forget to sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter for student promotions and coupons and download the coupon booklet NOW.

Share

Posted in onLove, onValues, Relationships | No Comments »

Spotlight: Nanoosh

February 2nd, 2011

I won’t begin my first restaurant review for the Campus Clipper (or, for that matter, any publication) trying to prove myself a sophisticated and highly knowledgeable epicure. Fact is, my diet would make most advocates of slow food and other digestive movements cry.  Not that I don’t admire them for some of the amazing things being done with food in this city and elsewhere, but I must be forthright and admit that I am typically a lazy eater when it comes to refining my palate, at least when I am at the helm of the kitchen. So, the opportunity for me to write a review of a restaurant might seem like an odd pairing, but my own laziness with food does not make me ignorant to its tastiness, and I consider myself an open-minded eater, and someone willing to seek out a quality dining experience (so long as someone else is cooking). I hope my reviews will be an honest account of a student dining, and not an attempt to strive for something more than it is, so that you will know what places are great for the student budget and belly.

For my first assignment I was given the opportunity to dine at Nanoosh, a restaurant self-described as “an organic take on classic Mediterranean.” Upon arriving, I walked into the sleek and modern dining room, boasting streamlined wooden tables and paneling offset by grey and green tiling, giving the restaurant an oddly comforting spa-like feel. What most caught my attention upon entering, however, was the large glass and metal centerpiece strung above the main dining table in the center of the restaurant. This piece, forming an oval shape from the convergence of two parenthesis-like glass windows, was filled with chickpeas, and immediately I knew I was in a place that was serious about hummus. After my initial impression, I was seated and began reading my menu, focusing on their signature hummus plates, and ultimately opted for the hummus nanoosh, which is a dish of hummus with ground beef, organic onions, organic mushrooms, and tahini. Following the recommendation of my server, Rita, I also ordered the lebane, a traditional soft cheese from strained yogurt served with extra-virgin olive oil and zaatar, a traditional herb mixture.

Be pleasantly forewarned; although the dishes on Nanoosh’s menu are all moderately priced, they are large, and more than enough for a single person. The hummus nanoosh and lebane are each served with a basket of warm, thick, and doughy pita breads that are still hardly enough to scoop up all the goodness on the table.  As for the food itself, the hummus was very creamy and smooth, almost fluffy in texture, and well complemented by the mound of caramelized onions, ground beef, and sautéed mushrooms. Though the hummus was very good, I was most anticipating the lebane, a dish I had never tried before, and based off the recommendation of my server, had high expectations for. Well, it certainly met all my expectations. The lebane was tart and creamy, and served spread around the edge a shallow bowl surrounding a pool of seasoned olive oil. When all mixed together on one of Nanoosh’s pita breads, it was a tasty experience.

Having completely stuffed myself, I was then asked if I would like dessert, and, well, why not? I chose the organic Mediterranean honey and walnut yogurt, which is, simply enough, a dish of yogurt served with syrupy swirls of honey and generously chopped walnuts sprinkled on top. Like the lebane, the yogurt was also creamy and tart, but with the swirls of honey, was also very sweet. The walnuts added an excellent crunchiness to the dish to balance the soupy consistency of the yogurt. After thinking I had no possible room left for dessert, I was surprised at how light this dish was, and ended the meal nicely without feeling overstuffed.

Nanoosh is a perfect choice for those who are hummus enthusiasts, or for anyone looking to try something new. Prices are very affordable, as a dinner for two ranges from about $25-$30. They also have multiple locations throughout Manhattan so you are never too far away from getting your Mediterranean fix.

Nanoosh

111 University Place (btw. 12th & 13th)

212.387.0746

www.nanoosh.com

For 10% Student Discount at Nanoosh click here and visit the CampusClipper Website for more student savings!

Derek Parsons donotmindifido.tumblr.com

Share

Posted in onValues, Restaurant Reviews | No Comments »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »